Rossendale Borough Council is highlighting news from the latest Sport England Active Lives* survey, demonstrating a remarkable increase in physical activity levels across the borough.
Rossendale Borough Council is highlighting news from the latest Sport England Active Lives* survey, demonstrating a remarkable increase in physical activity levels across the borough. Despite the hurdles posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and escalating cost of living pressures, the survey reveals a heartening trend towards healthier, more active lifestyles.
According to the latest Active Lives Adult Survey report, there has been a significant upswing in the number of adults engaging in regular physical activity across England. Between November 2022 and November 2023, 63.4 per cent of the adult population met the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week. This equates to approximately 29.5 million adults participating in sport or physical activity every week, marking an increase of two million active adults since 2016 – a rise of 1.3 per cent.
The positive impact of this nationwide trend is mirrored in Rossendale, where physical activity levels have surged from 60.5 per cent in 2016 to an impressive 68.7 per cent in 2023 – that’s over 6 per cent higher than the average across Lancashire as a whole. This notable increase underscores Rossendale Borough Counci’s commitment to fostering healthy and proud communities, one of the Council’s key strategic priorities.
Councillor Liz McInnes, Lead Member for Communities, Housing, and Health, said: "We are immensely proud of the strides our community has taken towards leading healthier, more active lives.
“This surge in physical activity is a testament to our collective efforts in promoting wellbeing and inclusivity. As we celebrate this positive milestone, we are excited to announce the launch of our Physical Activity strategy this year, which will further reinforce our commitment to supporting our residents in achieving their fitness goals."
The upcoming Physical Activity strategy will serve as a blueprint for enhancing opportunities for physical engagement and promoting a culture of wellness. Through targeted initiatives and collaborative partnerships, Rossendale Borough Council aims to empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds to embrace more active lifestyles.